John Melvin Love, 72, of Votaw, died Monday, May 12, 2014, at Michael E. Debakey V.A. Medical Center, Houston.  He was born on February 21, 1942, in Kirbyville, to Noble Daisy Dryden Love and Joe Love, and was a longtime resident of Votaw.  Melvin was a retired logger and faithful member of Votaw Worship Center.

Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Love; children, Bobby Love and his wife, Melissa, of Purvis, Mississippi; Dean Love and his wife, Patti, of Columbia, Louisiana; Dianne Nelson and her husband Nathan and Tracie Williams and her husband, Robert, all of Votaw; nineteen grandchildren, Grant Love and his wife, Stephanie, of Oklahoma; Jamie Stuart, Natalie Stuart, and Ethan Love, all of Purvis, Mississippi; Laci Turner and her husband of Michael,  Joshua Love and his wife, Courtney,  and Whitney Love, all of Columbia, Louisiana; Derek Saranthus and his wife, Samantha, of Shepherd; Kyle Nelson and his wife, Courtney and Kenneth Love, all of Votaw; Jim Nelson of El Paso; Kelsey Wortham, Dylan Williams; Sarah Wortham; Austin Williams; Keuna Antoine; Chris Williams; and Kaylee Wortham; seven great-grandchildren; and siblings, Jerry Don Love and his wife Joyce and Jimmy Wayne Love and his wife, Bitsy, all of Thicket; Carolyn Sue Burrous and her husband, Tommy, of Huntington; Yvette Love of Diboll; Phil Love and his wife, Rhonda, of Big Sandy; and Tony Love and his wife, Melinda, of Troy.

 He is preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Terry Love, N.J. “Pickle” Love, and Bobby Joe Love.

A gathering of Mr. Love’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 14, 2014, at Votaw Worship Center, 3160 FM 2798, Votaw.  His funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 15, 2014, at the church, with interment to follow at Votaw Cemetery, Votaw, under the direction of Broussard’s, 530 West Monroe, Kountze.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Votaw Worship Center, P.O. Box 190, Votaw, Texas  77376.